Mississippi residents should have one simple wish on their list this year for Santa this year &8212; a Legislature that can get things done and whose members play well with others.

Last week, following state law, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee should have had its preliminary budget approved and ready for the full Legislature when it convenes in January.

Like two rival siblings so intent on having a toy all to themselves that they argue over the toy until it breaks, the two sides of the education funding debate have done the same. The logic being that if I can&8217;t have my way, I&8217;ll just take my marbles and go home.

Well, what may have worked successfully on the second-grade playground doesn&8217;t cut it in running the state government.

The little tantrum&8217;s result has left only one real budget on the table at the moment &8212; that of Gov. Haley Barbour. Barbour&8217;s budget, while certainly not the most popular, is at least completed.

Perhaps next year, we can modify state law by adding a stipulation that if the Legislative Budget Committee cannot agree to a budget before its deadline, then the governor&8217;s budget must be used in its place.

Of course, that&8217;s not unlike a parent who says, &8220;If you can&8217;t share, then no one gets to play.&8221;

Ladies and gentlemen of the Legislature, don&8217;t forget; Santa &8212; and his taxpaying elves &8212; are making their list and checking it twice.